This past July, Rakai Health Science Program had an opportunity to participate in the Summer Institute at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Tropical Medicine. Our team, consisting of Dr. Joseph Ssuuna, Asani Kasango, and Royfred Kateregga, attended a course on “Chronic Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Prevalence and Epidemiology” from the 15th to the 19th of July 2024.
“This experience was not only a deep dive into the intricacies of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) but also a learning journey that has equipped us with valuable insights to bring back to our communities,” Dr. Ssuuna explains.
The course provided an in-depth exploration of NCDs, with a particular focus on their prevalence and epidemiology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Throughout the week, we engaged in intensive in-person lectures and dynamic group discussions. These sessions were a platform for sharing experiences from diverse settings, which broadened our understanding of the global and regional challenges posed by NCDs.
Among the major areas of focus were the burden of NCDs in LMICs, risk factor assessment, and the significant health system challenges these countries face. We delved into the critical link between ambient air pollution—both indoor and outdoor—and the rise of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Additionally, we reviewed data from various ongoing and completed projects, which highlighted practical interventions and the stark comparison of NCD burdens between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs. These insights were pivotal in recognizing the gaps in health information systems and the urgent need for improvement.
Our key takeaways from this experience underscored the alarming impact of NCDs, which are now the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The course emphasized the necessity for evidence-based interventions, making it clear that further research is crucial in the fight against these diseases. We also recognized the pressing need for greater engagement with policymakers to increase focus and funding for NCD programs.
This transformative experience would not have been possible without the tremendous support we received. We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire JHU team and Fogarty International for their unwavering support, which covered travel, accommodation, and meals, and most importantly, facilitated the invaluable exchange of knowledge. Additionally, we are sincerely thankful for the support from RHSP, which ensured our participation through transportation arrangements, visa recommendations, and the provision of study leave.
As we return from this journey, we are inspired and better equipped to contribute to the fight against NCDs in our communities. The knowledge and experiences we gained will undoubtedly shape our work and help us drive impactful change in the health sector. This experience not only enriched our professional development but also reaffirmed our commitment to advancing public health in our regions. We look forward to applying the lessons learned and continuing our collaboration with both local and international partners to address the pressing challenge of NCDs in LMICs.